Originally Posted On: https://samsepahca.wordpress.com/2024/06/20/from-the-desk-of-a-deaf-hr-pro-sam-sepah-advice-for-deaf-job-seekers/

From the Desk of a Deaf HR Pro Sam Sepah: Advice for Deaf Job Seekers

Hello Deaf job seeker, are you ready to unlock your full potential?

Throughout my successful career in human resources at several top Fortune companies, I’ve seen firsthand how deaf and hard-of-hearing talent is often overlooked. That’s why I’m excited to share amazing career opportunities that you may not know about.

Yes, we can do anything but hear! These are roles designed to minimize communication barriers and empower you to reach your full potential.

Explore the diverse career options below and envision how your passions and skills can be uniquely leveraged in each field.

1. Technology and IT

• Software Developer/Engineer: Requires general programming and online communication skills. Many tech companies value remote work, especially when supported by accessible tools that reduce communication barriers.
• Web/Media Designer: Use visual design skills to craft captivating and accessible digital experiences.
• IT Support Specialist: Excels at troubleshooting technical issues, often utilizing text-based communication and hands-on problem-solving skills.

2. Education

• Teacher of the d/Deaf: Be a role model to teach and empower d/Deaf students to reach their full potential in the d/Deaf or in mainstream schools with special education programs.
• Deaf Certified Sign Language Interpreter: Bridge the gap between spoken and visual languages, making public information accessible to everyone
• K-12 Educational Consultant: Advocates, transforming schools into models of equity and inclusion of creating inclusive learning environments.

3. Arts and Media

• Social Media Designer: Uses visual skills to create art, advertisements, or animations for niche audiences. The designers will have direct, one-on-one communication with clients.
• Photographer/Videographer: Masters of visual art, enrich media with their unique perspective and hands-on creativity. This role usually involves significant one-on-one communication with clients to understand their vision and needs.
• Writer/Editor: Craft compelling narratives in various media formats, thriving remotely and leveraging unique d/d/Deaf perspective to connect with niche audiences.

4. Healthcare

• Doctor / Nurse : Enrich the patient experience by fostering trust, understanding, and effective communication, and promote equitable healthcare for all.
• Occupational Therapist (OT): Empowers clients through one-on-one interactions, their innate communication strengths making them natural facilitators of growth and progress.
• Healthcare Administration: Masters of written communication, streamlining healthcare operations and championing equitable access for all with precision and compassion.

5. Business and Administration

• Human Resources Specialist: Create a thriving workplace environment where d/Deaf and disabled individuals feel valued and empowered.
• Business Administrators: Leverage communication tools to streamline office operations and propelling businesses forward.
• Financial Analyst: Ultize online communication tools to collaborate effectively and present insightful reports that drive informed decision-making.

6. Customer Service

• Tech Chat Support Agent: Bridge language barriers and create exceptional customer experiences through video or text-based platforms and sign language fluency.
• Travel Planning Representative: Crafts personalized, accessible travel experiences for d/Deaf and hard-of-hearing adventurers, empowering them to explore the world with confidence.

7. Skilled Trades

• Electrician/Plumber/Carpenter: Masters of their physical tasks with skilled hands and a keen eye for detail.
• Machinist: Thrives in independent work environments, operating machinery with precision and relying on written instructions or blueprints, making it an ideal role for those who excel in focused, hands-on tasks.
• Aircraft Mechanics: Rely on visual inspections, hands-on work, and established manuals and procedures, minimizing the need for frequent verbal communication or reliance on hearing.

8. Non-Profit and Advocacy

• d/Deaf Advocate & Agency Executive: Empowers d/Deaf communities through advocacy, community relations, legislative initiatives, and resource management, ensuring greater access, equity, and enrichment for all.
• Program Coordinator: Empowers and uplifts the d/Deaf community by developing and implementing programs that address their unique needs, fostering education, outreach, and access to essential resources, ultimately improving their quality of life and well-being.

Organizations and Resources

1. Employment Networks

• National Association of the Deaf (NAD): Provides advocacy and resources for employment.
• d/Deaf and Hard of Hearing in Government (DHHIG): Focuses on careers in federal government.
• Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA): Offers resources and support for finding jobs via HLAA Toolkit.

2. Job Boards

• Ability Jobs: Specialized job board for individuals with disabilities.
• d/Deaf Jobs Network: Job postings for d/Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals.
• GettingHired: Connects job seekers with disabilities to inclusive employers.

3. Support Programs

• Vocational Rehabilitation Services: A government program that helps people with disabilities prepare for, find, and keep jobs. They offer a variety of services tailored to each person’s individual needs
• Workforce Recruitment Program (WRP): Connects talented students and recent graduates with disabilities to federal and select private sector employers.
• Job Accommodation Network: JAN’s free online workplace accommodation toolkit provides employers with the tools needed to create a more disability-inclusive and compliant workplace.
• Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP): The Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) creates policies to ensure that people with disabilities are fully integrated in the workforce.

Don’t give up on your dream job. Your skills and experiences are valuable, and with persistence and the right resources, you can find a fulfilling career that aligns with your passions. For more specific advice or to explore job opportunities in your area, consider contacting local disability and d/Deaf advocacy organizations or employment services that specialize in supporting Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals.

Remember, your dream job is out there waiting for you!

Sam Sepah is a Google Research AI Lead Accessibility Program Manager specializing in Accessibility Technologies (both AI and non-AI) with Sign Language Technologies / Research for the Deaf and Hearing Impaired.